Simple Measures

A beat they can dance to

The French term is dansant--music that is "danceable." Some of it is made to order, like Renaissance dance suites, while other work is unintentionally dancey. "Out on a Limb," this weekend's program from chamber music outfit Simple Measures, runs the gamut from baroque composers like Bach, whose rhythmic motor still inspires choreographers today, to compilations of contemporary music. Seattle Early Dance will join cellist Rajan Krishnaswami and his guest musicians in the first half, with the precise steps and curling hands of the Baroque; in the second half dancer/ choreographer Stanko Milov takes a break from his work at Pacific Northwest Ballet to explore more modern styles. Simple Measures performs in intimate settings, not traditional concert halls, giving audiences a chance to see the art at "point-blank range." At Fremont Abbey, 4272 Fremont Ave. N., 7:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 15, and Mount Baker Community Club, 2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S., 7 p.m. Sun., Feb. 17. $10-$25. 853-5672, www.simplemeasures.org. SANDRA KURTZ